Dermatological Disorders

Dermatological Disorders General Information

The human skin represents the largest organ of our body. It has a variety of functions among which the most important is protection. The skin is considered a barrier that stands between the surrounding nature (external environment) and the inside environment of your body. The many viruses and bacteria are stopped from invading your body. Our skin is also important in the metabolic processes and in the regulation of the body temperature. Dermatological Disorders are those conditions that affect the skin and include a wide range of skin diseases. While some of the Dermatological Disorders (also known as cutaneous disorders) are benign, others can be a sign of an underlying disease. However, all patients ought to be aware that some types of skin disorders may be very serious. Our skin measures about two square yards (the average skin surface area) and weights from 5 to 10 pounds. Through our skin we can sense better the outside nature. For example we can be able to say if the weather is dry or wet, cold or hot. Once Dermatological Disorders affect our body (our physical health), they also interfere in our emotional well being. In most cases, the statement (saying) “How you look affects how you feel about your own person” is perfectly true. From simple minor acne to different types of melanomas, not only our health is jeopardized, but also our mental mood / condition. All people suffering from a skin disorder should have in mind at all times that they are not alone. This type of disease is widespread and every year millions of people develop a skin disease.

Dermatological Disorders Symptoms

Dermatological Disorders are very common among people from anywhere on the globe. Because it represents the barrier that separates the internal environment of our body from the outside environment, the skin is one of the most sensitive and vulnerable organs of our body. Considered to be the largest organ of the human organism, the skin is our first line of defense against foreign objects, bacteria, parasites, dirt, viruses and many other dangerous germs. What can also represent a threat for the skin is the sun that may sometimes produce severe damage to its structure. Apart from the fact that they are uncomfortable and may determine the appearance of some chronic disabilities, any skin disorders have an important psychological effect on every person. This happens very often, mainly because most parts of the skin are visible to other’s eyes. As we can easily observe, Dermatological Disorders do not have only physical effects, as they also cause various external signs and symptoms such as: changes in the color or texture or your skin, burning, redness around chin, forehead, cheeks that spread to other parts of the body, sores, bumps or patches of different color and appearance and change their look in time, itching, blisters that may crust, spots that appear suddenly, swellings on different areas of the skin, unusual growths etc.  Any condition that clogs, irritates or inflames your skin may lead to the appearance of these signs and symptoms. Skin conditions such as hives, acne or dermatitis may be caused by your make-up, irritants or allergic agents, as well as problems with your immune system.

Dermatological Disorders Treatment

As soon as you observe some changes in the color and texture of your skin, growths and spots that appear suddenly on different parts of your body, you should call your health care provider and establish a date for the examination. It is well known that the skin is the first arm of our body in its defense against the outside environment and all the threats that exist in the outside world. If you suspect that you may suffer from one of the Dermatological Disorders it is important to determine the exact skin disease in order to start an adequate treatment (to avoid the development of any further complications). Because many people are more interested in the way they look than the disorder itself, doctors try to minimize the destructive effects that the disease may have on the skin. But before proceeding with any treatment it is very important to establish the right diagnosis on time. Any dermatologist (a specialist in skin problems) can identify a skin disorder only by looking carefully and closely to it. He or she will pay attention to the shape, color, size and location of any unusual sign that appears on the skin, as well as to any other signs and symptoms that are present. The doctor might ask you to undress completely in order to check of possible distribution that the Dermatological Disorders are known to have.

A very simple procedure, called biopsy is usually done. It consists in removing a small piece of skin and then studying it under a microscope. Dermatological Disorders are usually treated with a series of drugs that are applied directly on the skin, called topical drugs. Medications given by injection or taken by mouth are called systemic drugs. If the affected area requires a higher concentration of the drugs, then the doctor will apply an intradermal injection (an injection done under the skin). Usually topical preparations are also applied on the Dermatological Disorders: creams, ointments (ex.: petroleum jelly), oils, powders, lotions, foams, gels and solutions. From all these, ointments (water mixed mostly with oil) are the most preferred because they present a lower risk of irritation than the others, if applied on open wounds. Creams (oil mixed mostly with water) are very easy to apply and vanish quickly when they are rubbed into the skin. Lotions contain more water than creams and have are less efficient than creams, ointments and gels. However, they are preferred when dealing with tinea pedis (athlete’s foot), contact dermatitis and tinea cruris (jock itch). Solutions are actually liquids in which drugs were dissolved, such as: polyethylene glycol, alcohol, plain water and propylene glycol. Their inconvenient is that the skin may become abnormally dry very quickly.  The overlapping categories of drugs used in treating Dermatological Disorders are the topical drugs: keratolytics, cleansing agents, anti-inflammatory agents, protective agents, anti-infective agents, drying agents, moisturizing agents and anti-itch agents.